The article deals with the history of the question (since the middle of the last century) about the possibilities of self-purification (airing) or air pollution. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed evaluation indices are discussed. It is noted that almost all the authors, both foreign and domestic, draw conclusions about the deterioration of the conditions of self-purification. This is probably due to changes in climatic conditions, provided that the anthropogenic load is constantly increasing. The comparison of stable wind characteristics for separate regions of Western Siberia and Irkutsk is given. For Irkutsk, a different gradation and a slightly different record of the formula for calculating the potential of self-purification of the atmosphere are proposed, based on the correctness of its use from the point of view of the foundations of probability theory. The comparison of calculated indices performed by different methods is carried out. Reasonable conclusions are drawn.

Arguchintseva Alla Vyacheslavovna, Doctor of Science (Technical), Professor, Department of Hydrology and Environment, Irkutsk State University, 1, K. Marx st., Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation, tel.: (3952) 52-10-88, 52-10-72, e-mail: arg@math.isu.ru 

Kochugova Elena Alexandrovna, Candidate of Science (Geography), Associate Professor, Department of Meteorology and Protection of Atmosphere, Irkutsk State University, 1, K. Marx st., Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation, tel.: (3952) 52-10-94, e-mail: kochugovae@mail.ru

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